Definition of insanity

[DogMania]

We've gotta do something different there. Last year, for a myriad of reasons, teams would come out and play our big in those sets. That allowed for Samson to slip/PNR or Donovan to use his excellent passing ability to hit cutters or at least threaten to take a J. But it's abundantly clear that opposing coaches know that Samson/Reed cannot/will not take that shot so they drop their big. That allows defenses to overplay the cutters/hedge, etc. and they have a goalie waiting to rim protect. It's legit playing 4 on 5. The fact we ran that set on our last play in regulation was asinine, imo, since we've seen how opposing D will not play Samson/Reed in that set.

I think Reed can hit that shot but it doesn't seem like he has the green light to take it. Plus, it's a significantly bigger issue with Samson because everyone knows he is no threat whatsoever in that position. It's similar to how defenses started playing Andre and to a lesser extent, Castle. You've got to do something different.

Seems we're seeing the same thing. You'd think the staff would as well.

Both Samson Johnson and RJ are solid at the line for bigs, so one would think turning towards the basket when no one is on them and taking a J at or just inside the foul line a few times a game would be in order. If they hit one or two, think about how that will open things up.

Why not have those two work on taking Js there within the flow of the offense in practice and see if it works? Maybe they have and it hasn't, but I've yet to see it in a game yet.

 

[gtcam]

On #1... In a late shot clock situation, we have literally zero guys who can create their own shot. It's maddening to watch Hassan dribble around and throw up a rainbow, for sure. Would you prefer AK dribbling it off his foot while putting his head down? Solo dribbling laterally trying to shoot a 3? Samson holding the ball at the free throw line b/c teams have scouted us and know his only worth offensively is a pick/roll alley oop? Without Liam, Hass is our best bet to be able to at least penetrate and make something happen.

Agree on 2, 3, 6. On 5? DH looks really lame with his somewhat entitled ref berating. No one had an issue with JC did it and I'd say JC was probably more caustic. DH just kinda looks like a baby who lost his toy.

Not sure how your logic for #4 works. Ross isn't ready, so let's play someone else who obviously isn't ready?

The difference is that JC knew how and when to do it, DH doesn't.
The officials respect JC - they don't come close to that with DH because he hasn't earned it - I don't care if he wins 20 NCs, he has an issue and it may be too late to rectify.
I was watching ASU play WVU last night - Bobby H complains a lot but he picks his moments and does it without making faces and obviously with less colorful language.

 

[superjohn]

Love Abraham's potential. Think he will be a player eventually. With that said, Hurley put him in the game once when it wasn't garbage time against a mid-major and he gave up two quick buckets in the paint. Small in-game sample size but the coaches see more than that in practice. Good defensive potential but anyone thinking he is going to come in and be a defensive stopper is probably wishcasting. The backup QB syndrome on this board is strong. The unkown is always a better option to fans. I understand it with Nowell because we desperately need another capable ball handler to spell Hass.

We just don't know with Abraham and Nowell at this point. It's a little troubling they haven't beat out the guys ahead of them considering the lackluster play from the guys ahead of them.

 

[Trudy Gay]

I'm pretty willing to bet he's no worse than Ross because Ross provides NOTHING. So it's kinda hard to be worse than that. At least give it a shot.....it's not like he's a walk on.

I understand the sentiment but at this point you kind of just have to trust that there’s a reason he’s not playing. And I wouldn’t say Ross provides nothing, at the very least he makes some extremely athletic plays that gets the crowd and momentum going.

 

[jibsey]

I'm pretty willing to bet he's no worse than Ross because Ross provides NOTHING. So it's kinda hard to be worse than that. At least give it a shot.....it's not like he's a walk on.

When Ross puts it up you hold your breath.

 

[ValleyGuy]

Thanks Mrs. Hurley

You’re welcome Uconngb’s mom

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result:

1. Diarra pounding the ball late into a shot clock in high leverage situations and us getting a poor, or no, shot off
2. Continuing to allow Reed to high, hard hedge and watching the opponent center get a layup or dunk
3. Stubbornly sticking to man to man for 40 minutes when you consistently have multiple well below average man to man defenders on the floor
4. Giving minutes to players that have clearly proven they are not ready (Ross) while you have potential assets that sit on the bench (IA)
5. Continuing to bait and berate refs when it is clearly working against you
6. Not utilizing one of your best assets to run the offense through (Reed posting up)


Etc etc

Very interested to see if any of this changes or we just go Teddy Allen/Kadary Richmond again

I just need to point out that this is not at all the definition of insanity.

 

[Fan1978]

I have a question about that. Newell is a powerful, quick but small point guard. On a high school level but he’s had a ton of practice against top 20 level competition every day. I think he can create but can he drive the ball to the rim in the BE against bigger and longer athletes? Can he shoot the 3 well enough? By this point shouldnt he be showing something that catches our eye?
Mahaney played 7 minutes and scored zero against Butler, why? He can’t defend? Too slow? Can’t get his own shot? Can’t create assists? Just wondering because we are deep into the season.

Nowell was hurt for a month